The Sword of Temporal Justice - Oakeshott Type XVI

Creator: Zandona Ferrara (active c. 1600) (Bladesmith)

Creation Date: Early Seventeenth Century

Materials: Iron, Steel, Copper, Wood with Scabbard of Leather, Velvet, Silver Gilt

Dimensions: 116.5 x 99.3 cm

RCIN 31731

Acquirer: Charles I, King of Great Britain (1600-49)

Provenance: Probably supplied for the coronation of Charles I in 1626

Description: The sword has a gilt-iron hilt with a wooden, wire-bound grip, the steel blade tapering to a leaf-shaped point with symbols like open lozenges stamped in the gutters with the maker's name, and with a velvet-covered scabbard with gold embroidery and silver-gilt mounts.

This sword, known as the Sword of Temporal Justice, is one of three swords which are carried unsheathed, pointing upwards, in the coronation procession. This sword is accompanied by the Sword of Spiritual Justice and the Sword of Mercy (with a blunted tip). The practice of carrying three swords, representing kingly virtues, dates back to the coronation of Richard the Lionheart in 1189.

The three swords were made for the coronation of Charles I in 1626 and then placed with the regalia in Westminster Abbey. Together with the coronation spoon, these three works were the only pieces to survive the Civil War and Interregnum untouched. It is not known whether they were used in the coronation procession of Charles II, but they have certainly been used since 1685. A new scabbard was made for the sword in 1821 for the coronation of George IV.

For more information on Oakeshott Type XVI Swords see this extract from Ewart Oakeshott's Records of the Medieval Sword: sword-site.com/thread/167/oakeshott-type-records-medieval-sword

Source: www.royalcollection.org.uk/collection/31731/the-sword-of-temporal-justice